The Gallery

During the late 1800s a Sugar Mill operated at Benowa processing sugar grown on the Nerang River flats and the area was also used for dairying. An important part of any developing area was the Post Office. They were usually set up in a store or hotel which were often little more than small, bush cottages. The mail was brought from Brisbane on horseback once a week. Later in 1873 Cobb & Co. ran coaches to the area three times a week.
This cottage was built in about 1915 and for several years was used to accommodate farm workers. In 1938 the James family bought the property and made extensions and alterations. In 1939 Mrs James became Post Mistress and the Benowa Post Office was established in her residence. A section of the verandah was enclosed for this purpose. When Mrs James died in 1972 the Post Office was closed but the building continued as a private residence for several years before being moved to the site it now occupies.